GOPHER Parent Newsletter
GRESHAM HIGH SCHOOL, 4/14/2020 Editiion
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
The Covid-19 impact on our schools and communities has been unprecedented. With the announcement of school closures, our teachers began to create distance learning for all. I have been extremely impressed by each and every staff member at GHS. In less than one month we have converted our traditional learning model to a digital platform. This model ensures that our students receive continuous instruction through the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. As a way to streamline communication, Gresham HS will send bi-weekly parent information using parent newsletter and school messenger for more time sensitive material. I know there is a lot of information coming at once-district office, teachers, community members and building leadership. These communications are not intended to inundate you with information, but make you aware of the fast moving impacts that have been brought on by the spread of COVID-19. I understand information flooding in at once can be overwhelming. As we continue to navigate our new normal, I ask for your patience and flexibility. Below you will find information pertaining to your student’s educational options at Gresham High.
Moving forward Gresham High School’s Parent newsletter will be sent on the following dates:
April 24th
May 8th
May 22nd
June 5th
Please be on the lookout. If we need to send more urgent communication this will come from School Messenger.
Take care,
Drake Shelton
DISTANCE LEARNING FOR ALL
Starting Monday April 13th Gresham High School will begin “Distance Learning for All”. Below you will find the schedule for your student(s) classes. We understand there are still technology needs. Students should begin class work as technology becomes available. If you have not checked-out a device in the last 3 days from one of the Gresham-Barlow pick up sites, please contact the school (503-674-5500) to make arrangements for you to check-out a device. If you need internet access please contact local providers, many are offering 60 day free access. Here is a list of providers from GBSD:
Comcast basic internet is free for low-income customers for 60 days and $9.99/month after that: www.internetessentials.com/Apply
Comcast: corporate.comcast.com/covid-19
CenturyLink: news.centurylink.com/covid-19
At this time teachers will monitor student engagement in their Google classrooms. The district is currently working on attendance protocols for the remainder of the school year. Distance Learning is a requirement for all students. The expectations of attendance are the same virtually as they were face-to-face. Please continue to follow GHS expectations as we move forward with distance learning.
The Oregon Department of Education has recently provided new, updated graduation requirements for all seniors. We are currently reviewing seniors’ transcripts to verify if they have met their graduation requirements. Senior students should continue in classes until notified by school officials. District level leadership are developing a plan on how to finalize senior classes. We will have this information soon, so please watch for additional communication.
For grades 9th through 11th-District leadership will communicate the grading expectations for distance learning with guidelines from the Oregon Department of Education. Beginning April 13th teachers will be allowed to require assignments be turned in for grading purposes. If your student is experiencing issues with Google classroom please have them reach out to their teachers.
The “Instructional Hours” each day are the required maximum of 3 hours for learning activities established by Oregon Department of Education’s Digital Learning for All plan. It is important to know that families can adjust that time whenever is best for students and family needs. Students will not lose grades if they do not or cannot attend an activity during that time.
TECHNOLOGY NEEDS?
GBSD will offer families the opportunity to pick up Chromebooks for their students at
ANY of our elementary schools on Wednesday, April 15th from 10 am to 2pm.
Families with students in our district can come to ANY of our elementary schools, regardless of whether they have students attending that particular school.
Parent/guardian or high school student with valid, current school ID can pick up. Staff can request to see picture IDs of adults with whom they are not familiar.
After this distribution window above, families are asked to call their school and make appointments to pick up devices.
E-LEARNING - UPDATE FROM GHS LIBRARY
Looking for free on-line sources for eBooks, research, college application help or tutoring? If so, check out the GHS Library Remote Resources webpage. You'll find updated links to all sorts of free resources to support your distance learning and reading. New tools will be added here as they come up. The web address is: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/Page/9021
SENIOR INFORMATION
Class of 2020- Below you will find grading criteria for your completion of each course. Remember- Seniors will be notified by school officials when you have completed necessary course work and should “stop '' attending Distance Learning at Gresham High.
All senior grades for the second semester were frozen at the March 13th progress report. The posted grade will give teachers a baseline for the seniors who are passing versus those who are not.
If a student was passing their class on March 13th, then they will earn a “P” (Pass) for the course and receive the credit towards graduation.
If a student was not passing their class on March 13th, then two things can happen. (1) If they need it for graduation, they will continue taking that class until they have received a passing score. (2) If they do not need the class to graduate, then they will be withdrawn from the class
At this time we are reviewing transcripts so that we can communicate graduation status with all seniors. We follow Oregon Department of Education guidance to have this done by Thursday, April 30th.
Senior students should continue in classes until informed by a school official that they have completed the course.
Students that were not passing on March 13th will be given an opportunity to pass given the work from the first six weeks of second semester
FAQs:
Q. If seniors were passing a class as of March 13th, what is the expectation?
A. The student is given a “pass” and awarded credit for the class. This student does not need to continue working in the class.
Q. What about seniors who were failing a class as of March 13th, what is the expectation?
A: (1) If the failing course was required for graduation, then students will be given an opportunity to bring their grades up to passing until the end of the school year in June. (2). If the failing course was NOT required for graduation, then students can opt to either WITHDRAW from the course, or continue working to bring their grade to passing.
Q. What standards/content should teachers focus on with seniors who were not passing the class as of March 13th?
A. Our role is to get students up to the standard of passing by March 13th, or to be commensurate with their peers
Q: What happens if a student is not engaging in distance learning and they need that class to graduate?
A: Students unable or unwilling to participate in distance learning will have the opportunity to do credit recovery during the summer. They will have until August 30th to be considered a 2020 graduate
SENIORS CAP/GOWN/ANNOUNCEMENTS DELIVERY INFO
GRESHAM HIGH TO USE STADIUM LIGHTS TO HONOR SENIORS
In order to honor the seniors who have lost the last few months of their high school experience to school closures, Gresham High School will turn on the stadium lights each Friday through the end of the school year. The lights will go on at 8:20 (20:20 military time) and stay on for 20 minutes to honor the Class of 2020. The first illumination of the lights on Stapleton Field occured on Friday, April 10.
Please remember to follow social distancing and all state regulated guidelines. GBSD does not support students getting out of cars, grouping on football fields, or any other actions that aren't aligned with state guidelines.
Gresham High School Distance Learning Guidelines & Behavioral Expectations
To ensure a safe and appropriate learning environment, we expect all students to utilize the following guidelines and abide by the behavioral expectations just as if students were attending class in person. All GHS behavioral expectations still apply to all virtual learning communities.
Guidelines and Behavioral Expectations ANONYMITY AND PRIVACY
Anonymity:The internet often gives us the impression that what we do online is anonymous, but everything we do online leaves a digital footprint.
Privacy: Everything you do online using your GBSD account and/or technology is a matter of public record. You should not assume anything you say, post, submit, etc. is private.
RECORDED SESSIONS
Teachers/Staff do have permission to record the Meetings/Sessions, in an effort to provide access to other students who might not be able to attend a synchronous session. Teachers/Staff will share their intent to record prior to the meeting/session. Recorded sessions can and will be used only for educational purposes. Students/Families who are uncomfortable being recorded are to notify the teacher and/or staff member prior to the session.
COMMUNICATING ONLINE
Communicating Online: When we are communicating online we don’t have the benefit of reading other people’s emotions so we need to be thoughtful about what we say to avoid any misunderstandings.
COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS:
● Always re-read before sending
● Use proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar
● Be kind
● Be respectful
● No internet slang or abbreviations
● Be professional
● No shouting (using ALL CAPS)
● Keep conversations relevant and on topic
● No joking about sensitive topics
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
All school-related communication must be done with your GBSD account. Students will be communicating with teachers and classmates using tools including but not limited to Gmail, Google Meet, Google Voice, Google Classroom, and Remind.
DISTANCE LEARNING EXPERIENCES
All distance learning applications and experiences are for Gresham HS students only.
● Do not share passwords, course codes, meeting links, or any other information that gives non-Gresham students access to our online content.
● Do not attend any school-related Google Hangout/Meet or any videoconferencing to which you have not been invited.
● Students must use their real first and last names at all times, creating any fake or spoof accounts is prohibited.
● Students must not share information with anyone outside that same period.
● Students must not capture anything. Sessions are considered concealed recordings and all recordings must be done by first obtaining consent from the teacher and classmates.
GOOGLE MEET GUIDELINES
● Dress as you would for school
● Be on time
● Turn the mic off and camera off before joining the meeting.
● Check your surroundings before joining the meeting, e.g., do not display inappropriate items/images in the foreground or background).
● Keep the microphone off if you are not talking
● Keep the camera off if there are distractions around (the camera can see everything)
● Avoid eating
● Avoid multitasking
VIRTUAL SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
COLLEGE/SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES
Local Scholarships:
All local scholarship paper-only applications are available on the GHS website (link)
A complete list of local scholarships, including online applications, is on our website under College & Career
Updated deadlines are posted here as soon as I hear back from our scholarship patrons.
If students have questions or concerns please reach out to Ms. Cervenkova at cervenkova2@gresham.k12.or.us
Updates from OR colleges:
MHCC - testing services are closed at this time. Students can still submit their Official HS transcripts with Smarter Balance scores for placement.
PCC - a virtual admissions page has been set up for students to access info and schedule 1:1 admissions meetings.
PSU - Enrollment Confirmation Priority Deadline was extended to June 1st.
SAT/ACT scores will not be required at Oregon's public universities and OHSU, starting fall term 2021.
Eastern Oregon University
Portland State University
Oregon State University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Southern Oregon University
University of Oregon
Western Oregon University
CREDIT RECOVERY/EDGENUITY
If your student is currently enrolled in Edgenuity credit recovery, they continue to be enrolled in their course and may continue in those classes. The deadline for the second session was April 5th, however, this deadline has been extended. The completion date for this session will be communicated to Edgenuity students and their counselors via email this week.
WHO IS MY STUDENT'S COUNSELOR & ADMINISTRATOR?
COUNSELORS:
- A - B and Active ELL
Julie Conroy 503-674-5530 conroy@gresham.k12.or.us - C - Ha
Andrea Parra 503-674-5528 parra14@gresham.k12.or.us - He - M
Hannah Anderson 503-674-5527 anderson185@gresham.k12.or.us - N - R
Judy Keller 503-674-5526 keller17@gresham.k12.or.us - S - Z, and Department Chair of Counseling
Laura Blaser 503-674-5529 blaser@gresham.k12.or.us
ADMINISTRATOR:
- A - Go Erin Voelker voelker@gresham.k12.or.us
- Gr-O Cheeri Schacht schacht2@gresham.k12.or.us
- P-Z Jason Bhear bhear@gresham.k12.or.us
GRADES - SEMESTER 2 9th-11th Grades
At this time decisions regarding second semester grades are being developed in accordance with guidance by the Oregon Department of Education. We will send out information as soon as we have been advised.
GBSD EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
The district has posted educational resources online for students and families wishing to bring some structure to their day while on an “extended break”. These resources also provide students the opportunity to brush up on their academic skills over the next few weeks. The resources can be found at the following link:GBSD Resources
COVID 19 GUIDANCE FROM OUR SCHOOL NURSE
If you think you or a family member might have COVID-19:
Most cases of COVID-19 are mild and people are able to recover at home. If you need medical help, call your primary care provider. Most providers are holding all appointments over the phone (telemedicine). They will tell you if you need to be seen in person.
If you have any emergency warning signs for COVID-19 you need to get medical help right away. Call 9-1-1 and tell them you think you might have COVID-19. Emergency warning signs include:
trouble breathing,
pain or pressure in the chest,
new confusion or difficulty waking up,
running out of air from speaking or walking.
If you don’t have a primary care provider or don’t have medical insurance:
The School Based Health Center at Parkrose High School provides medical and mental health care for any student (age 5-18) in Multnomah County. Call 503-988-3392
Multnomah County Health Centers provides care to adults and children. Call 503-988-5558
For information about dental care and pharmacy services call 503-988-5558
Oregon Health Plan and COVID-19:
You will not lose your OHP benefits during the COVID-19 crisis, even if they are scheduled to end. If you receive an emergency payment from the Federal government, it will not count as income on your OHP eligibility.
Immigration Status and COVID-19:
United States Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS) has said that all people who have symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged to seek medical care. This medical care will not have a negative impact on any person during a future Public Charge analysis. Read the statement from USCIS here. If you have questions about immigration status and medical care, call the Legal Aid/Oregon Law Center Public Benefits Hotline: 1-800-520-5292
For current updates, click on these links:
For Multnomah County
For Clackamas County
COMMUNITY RESOURCE & ASSISTANCE CONTACTS
As you know, the Gresham-Barlow School District is closed from Monday, March 16th until Tuesday, April 28th. If you are in need of food, utility or housing assistance, please consider contacting 2-1-1 by phone or at their website https://www.211info.org/ to find out the latest information about where you can get help. Additional resources can be found here: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/domain/1129. If you receive SNAP benefits, please contact your local self-sufficiency office to inquire about assistance.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or need someone to talk to you, please consider contacting the following crisis lines. Support is available to you 24 hours a day.
Lines for Life: 1-800-273-8255
Youthline: 1-877-968-8491 or text "teen2teen" to 839863
The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
Multnomah County Crisis Line: 503-988-4888
If you need medical assistance, the Parkrose High School Health Center is open and can be reached at 503-988-3392. They serve all school-age youth, regardless of ability to pay and are open M-F 8:30-5:00. They are located at Parkrose High School at 12003 NE Shaver at the back side of the building next to the gym entrance.
Multnomah County Health Centers serve all ages regardless of ability to pay. Services include adult and child health care, women’s health and pregnancy care, and mental health care.
East County Clinic, 600 NE 8th Street, 3rd floor, Gresham.
Monday - Friday 8-7. Appointments:503-988-5558.
Mid County Clinic, 12710 SE Division.
Monday - Friday 8-7. Appointments: 988-5558.
NE County Clinic, 5329 NE MLK Jr. Blvd.
Monday - Friday 8-7. Appointments: 988-5558
County Health Telemedicine/phone consultations - 503-988-5558.
County Dental Clinic - 600 NE 8th Street, Gresham
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 6:30pm. Appointments: 503- 988-4900
SUN (SCHOOLS UNITING NEIGHBORHOODS) RESOURCES
Below are resources in our community to access food pantry sites as well as comprehensive resource lists to support families in need.
FREE Food Pantry Resources:
Food Pantry Sites:
Cherry Park Elementary School
1930 SE 104th Ave. Portland 97216
Mondays 3:45pm- 5:30pm
Note: We will be handing out pre-packed bags at this site
Glenfair Elementary School
15300 SE Glisan St, Portland 97230
Tuesdays 4pm-5:30pm
Alder Elementary School
17200 SE Alder St, Portland 97233
Wednesdays 4pm-6pm
David Douglas High School
1400 SE 130th Ave, Portland 97233
Thursdays 5pm-6:30pm
Note: This location is different from the main campus on 135th Ave.
Parklane Elementary School
15811 SE Main St, Portland 97233
Fridays 12:30pm-2pm
Resource lists:
General Resources:
General Resources in multiple languages:
https://multco.us/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-information-different-languages
Resources for undocumented families:
Legal COVID-19 Resources:
https://t.e2ma.net/message/jaldtc/rwrfzz
MFS Resource List:
https://www.metfamily.org/family-resources-during-coronavirus-quarantine/
If you have any questions or would like more information about Food Pantry Sites or access to community resources, please email SUN Site Manager Laurel Hess laurelh@mfs.email or call 971-645-0138.
Please follow our Gresham High School Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GreshamhsSUN/?ref=bookmarks for updated resource information during the COVID-19 crisis.